Application Highlights for Special Events

Lightfest Adds Soundtrack

Wayne County, Michigan, Employs Radio to Direct Thousands through
Mega Light Display

WAYNE COUNTY, MI: The amazing light display that greater Detroit area residents enjoy each year added sound. “LightFest,” the wattage wonderland that features 50 animated displays and more than 100,000 lights, in 2021 began a radio station as well. The RadioSTAT system the County Park Department obtained for the task will transmit the special broadcast on 1640 AM to car radios in a 3-mile radius from the event entrance, so people who are lined up can receive recorded and live updates. The Department planned to employ the radio system for other big events around the year, as well.

Parks Department spokesman Steve Winkelman told The Source that the Covid-19 pandemic, due to the need for dashboard distancing, pumped up the popularity of the event, which attracts thousands of cheery attendees annually. The radio service directs drivers to the entrance and through a 5-mile course that snakes along through various Wayne County parks down Hines Drive in suburban Westland, Michigan. Due to increased wait times plus the 30-minute time required to see all the displays, motorists need to be apprised of details – especially the current wait time. Helpful info includes where to find restrooms, concessions and other services.

Churches, nonprofits, park departments and a variety of venues and events employ a rental version of the radio system called “EventCAST” or a shorter range InfOspot for similar applications.